A frontline political leader and House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Olugbenga Ayo Olumoyegun, has expressed condolences to the people of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State following the deaths of more than 30 persons reportedly linked to the consumption of unapproved herbal drinks and substances.
Olumoyegun, in a statement personally signed by him and made available to journalists, described the incident as a tragic and avoidable loss, saying it had brought immense pain to the affected families and the entire Odigbo community.
He commiserated with the traditional rulers, people of Odigbo Local Government and, in particular, the families of the deceased, while praying for the recovery of those currently receiving treatment at various health facilities.
The politician expressed concern over the alleged consumption of substances not certified for human consumption and cautioned members of the public, particularly youths, against practices that could endanger their lives.
He urged the youths to shun social vices and avoid consumption of alcohol and the use of dangerous drugs, stressing that such practices could have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
Olumoyegun commended the Ondo State Government for the measures it had so far taken in response to the incident, but called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He urged the authorities to identify those responsible for the manufacture, distribution and sale of the suspected substances and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
He also called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant regulatory and law-enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement against the production and circulation of unregistered and unsafe products.
According to him, stronger monitoring, effective enforcement and prosecution of offenders are necessary to safeguard public health and prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
The APC chieftain also commended the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Taiwo Adegoroye, for what he described as his prompt response to the situation and efforts to ameliorate the effects of the incident on the affected communities.
Olumoyegun further condoled with Oba Aderemi Adeola, the Ajobu of Araromi Obu Kingdom, and Oba Adegboyega Akinrinmade, the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom, over the loss of their subjects.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and urged government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to work together to ensure that a similar tragedy does not occur again.
